Disk of 2023 > [Archived] Jazz
![](https://static.srr.ro/images/articles/8361/art-img1-3731211-steven_f.jpg)
Steven Feifke - Catalyst album - Jazzy Hour, October 24th, 2023
I think it's as essential to look at young musicians as much as at the consecrated names who offer us the best there is in contemporary music. The rusorise can be even greater taking into account the name novelty, plus the value that a new, remarkable character brings. We've heard Steven Feifke before, who is the youngest Grammy winner for best album of a great ensemble and we will hear him again at Jazzy Hour, the sixth album he launched in the last two years: Catalyst. It's only usual for a musician with such resources, ideas and culture, shown through extraordinary qualities as a pianist, arranger and orchestra maestro. His music can be recognized, even if it's dedicated to a large ensemble. The way he directs, both in terms of rhythm and melody, leads to a good beat and contagious cheer. On the one hand, he offers the surety of a musician with a broad reach, inspired and impactful, and on the other, he sincerely shows us a sensitive man, open to emotional trades. All his compositions are his, with retro moments and rich arrangements. When it comes to structure, his music is sophisticated, and one can easily dance listening to it. At age 32, Steve Feifke knows tradition well and carries it forward with passion and innovation. I don't know how many times we can say the word "extraordinary" when we listen to a good musician, but surely we will do so many times this time.
Translated by Denisa Stanciu,
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year II
Corrected by Silvia Petrescu